Jobs for CPT Students

CPT allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience directly related to their major while still enrolled in their degree program. Unlike OPT, which is typically used after graduation, CPT is authorized by your school and must be an integral part of your curriculum, whether through a required internship, cooperative education program, or practicum. Employers hiring CPT students face no sponsorship cost or paperwork with USCIS, making it one of the easiest ways for companies to bring on international student talent.

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Overview

Open Jobs497,548+
Top Visa TypeF-1 CPT
Work Type96% On-site
Salary Range$17K – $23K
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsStarbucks

Showing 5 of 497,548+ CPT Student jobs

Zscaler
Principal AI and Data Architect
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Zscaler
New 1m ago
Principal AI and Data Architect
Zscaler
Remote
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Data Science
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Cloud Engineering
$235,000/yr
Remote (US)
12+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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McKesson Corporation
Material Handler - First Shift- Manteno, IL
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McKesson Corporation
New 2m ago
Material Handler - First Shift- Manteno, IL
McKesson Corporation
Manteno
Warehouse Operations
Manufacturing Operations
Logistics & Inventory
$45,799/yr
On-Site

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Agiliti Health, Inc.
Hospital Service Technician
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Agiliti Health, Inc.
New 2m ago
Hospital Service Technician
Agiliti Health, Inc.
Community Medical Center
Customer Service & Support
Maintenance & Repair
Quality Control
$38,688/yr
On-Site
High School

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ITR Concession Co LLC
Equipment Operator/Laborer
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ITR Concession Co LLC
New 3m ago
Equipment Operator/Laborer
ITR Concession Co LLC
La Porte, Indiana
Manufacturing Operations
Construction
Construction Labor
On-Site
High School

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aPriori Technologies Inc
Sales Development Representative
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aPriori Technologies Inc
New 3m ago
Sales Development Representative
aPriori Technologies Inc
Concord, Massachusetts
Sales
Partnerships & Business Development
Inside Sales
Business Development
$55,000/yr - $75,000/yr
Hybrid
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CPT and OPT?

CPT is work authorization you use while still enrolled in school, and the employment must be directly connected to your curriculum. OPT is work authorization used after you complete your degree, or in some cases during your final year. CPT requires your school's authorization through your DSO, while OPT requires an application to USCIS. Using 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT, so most students use CPT strategically for part-time work or shorter full-time periods to preserve their OPT eligibility.

Does an employer need to do anything special to hire a CPT student?

No. The employer does not file any paperwork with USCIS for CPT. Your school authorizes CPT directly by updating your I-20. The employer simply needs to provide an offer letter that includes the job title, start and end dates, hours per week, and a description of how the role relates to your field of study. Your DSO uses this letter to authorize your CPT.

Can I work full-time on CPT?

Yes, F-1 students can work full-time on CPT during summer and other official school breaks. During the academic year, CPT is typically limited to part-time (20 hours or fewer per week) unless your program specifically requires a full-time practicum or co-op. Keep in mind that accumulating 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT after graduation.

How long does CPT authorization take?

CPT is authorized by your school, not USCIS, so the timeline is much faster than OPT. Most schools can process a CPT request and issue an updated I-20 within one to two weeks once you have a qualifying job offer and your academic advisor confirms the position meets curriculum requirements. You cannot begin working until the CPT start date printed on your I-20.

What types of jobs qualify for CPT?

Any job that is directly related to your major field of study and is part of your established curriculum can qualify for CPT. This includes required internships, cooperative education programs, practicums, and in some cases elective internships for academic credit. The key requirement is that your academic program must have a CPT component and your faculty advisor or DSO must confirm the role aligns with your coursework.

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